Lake Holbrook Dam

COCHATO RIVER· Norfolk, Massachusetts· Built 1920· Earth· 10 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Local Government

Key Takeaway

Lake Holbrook Dam is classified as significant hazard in Massachusetts. It was completed in 1920 and is 106 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 10 ft (taller than 18% in MA)
Dam Length300 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage185 acre-ft
Normal Storage90 acre-ft
Surface Area3 acres
Drainage Area3 sq mi
Year Completed1920 (106 years old)
NID IDMA01163

Safety Information

Significant Hazard

No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: January 31, 2018
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND RECREATION

Ownership

TOWN OF HOLBROOK, BOARD OF SELECTMEN

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Lake Holbrook Dam?

Lake Holbrook Dam is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Lake Holbrook Dam?

Lake Holbrook Dam is owned by TOWN OF HOLBROOK, BOARD OF SELECTMEN (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Lake Holbrook Dam built?

Lake Holbrook Dam was completed in 1920, making it 106 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.

What is the primary purpose of Lake Holbrook Dam?

Lake Holbrook Dam serves the following purposes: Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Lake Holbrook Dam?

Lake Holbrook Dam has a dam height of 10 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.

When was Lake Holbrook Dam last inspected?

Lake Holbrook Dam was last inspected on January 31, 2018. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.